Sri Lanka Tourism had successfully participated at the BITE 2013 (Beijing International Travel Expo) the largest international travel exhibition in China for the tenth consecutive year in 2013. The BITE was held during June 21 to 23, 2013 in Beijing and a 38 member travel trade delegation headed by Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau representing Tour Operators and Hoteliers of Sri Lanka participated at the BITE 2013.

The opening ceremony of the BITE 2013 was held on June 20, 2013 at the Open Plaza, Beijing. The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to China Ranjith Uyangoda was invited as the Guest Speaker representing international exhibitors of the BITE 2013. In his speech, ambassador Uyangoda noted that the BITE has been a platform to promote international travel destinations including countries like Sri Lanka in the Chinese Tourism Market and hoped that the BITE will continue to make its valued contribution for further expansion of tourism market internationally. He added that arrival of Chinese Tourists to Sri Lanka has recorded an exponential growth annually since 2010 and Sri Lanka Tourism has made various customized facilities to the Chinese tourists including Online Visa Processing in Chinese Language, providing Chinese Speaking Tour Guides etc. Sri Lanka was awarded a Certificate of “The Beijing International Travel Expo Strategic Partner” at the Awarding Ceremony of the BITE 2013.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Stall at the BITE which was designed uniquely and decorated with Sri Lanka Tourism Attractions was ceremonially opened on June 21 by Ms.Chen Hong, Vice Mayor of Beijing Municipality, Mr.Guo Jin Long, Party Secretary, Beijing Municipality, Mr Shao Qiwei，the Chairman of China National Tourism Administration, Mr. Edward Liu, Chairman, the BITE 2013 Organizing Committee at the invitation extended by Ambassador Uyangoda, Mr. Vimalenthirarajah, Minister Counsellor, Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing and Mr. Athukorala, Assistant Director, SLTPB and Sri Lanka Delegation were also present at the inauguration.

Performance of the Sri Lanka Traditional Dance Troupe, organized by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau was one of the eye catching attractions of the Sri Lanka Tourism Stall at the BITE 2013 for visitors. Sri Lanka Traditional Dance Troupe and light boxes of the Sri Lanka Tourism Stall made the Sri Lanka Tourism Stall as the exclusively exceptional stall at the BITE 2013 and as a popular photographic point.